Competition to Name Whinlatter's New Blue Route

Cycling enthusiasts are being invited to name the Lake District's newest mountain bike trail on the Forestry Commission estate at Whinlatter Forest Park, near Keswick in Cumbria.

The Forestry Commission has teamed up with local bike hire company and training specialist, 'Cyclewise', to launch the competition for people to name the new 7.5 kilometre 'blue grade' mountain bike trail, which is now open to the public....

Mountain bike trails are colour graded green, blue, red or black, according to the level of difficulty. Green is the easiest level and black is for expert cyclists. Most 'blue grade' trails have moderate gradients but may include short steep sections, so a reasonable level of fitness is required.

Whinlatter's new 'blue grade' trail has been designed especially to suit reasonably competent cyclists and mountain bikers of any age with basic off road riding skills, including families with children aged seven years and over. Most robust bikes will manage the trail, a few extra gears and a little suspension may help.

Paul Brown, Recreation Ranger for the Forestry Commission at Whinlatter, said:

"We're offering mountain bike fans the one-off chance to make the new Whinlatter cycle trail their own by helping to name it in our competition.

"The name should aim to reflect Whinlatter's growing reputation as the region's leading mountain biking venue, its varied terrain and the energy of the sport itself."

The winner and their family will be invited to the official launch of the new Whinlatter 'blue grade' mountain bike trail and enjoy a mountain bike skills course for two people courtesy of Cyclewise.

The closing date is Friday 5th June and entries can either be delivered to Cyclewise Whinlatter shop or emailed or posted to:

Whinlatter Blue Trail Competition, Whinlatter Forest Park, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TW

Whinlatter Forest Park is England's only true mountain forest. Rising to 790 metres above sea level, it offers spectacular views of the Lake District and into Scotland, so the new purpose built 'blue grade' trail will also be England's highest.

Bike hire facilities will be provided by Cyclewise, who also offer mountain bike training, junior cycle skill sessions, bike wash and workshop at Whinlatter.

Craig Scott from Cyclewise, says:

"The new blue trail is a fantastic new development which will open the forest up to a much wider range of visitors, allowing them to get involved in a great sport and see the forest in a whole new light.

"The trail has been built in such a way that as riders fitness and skills increase they can extend there journey to suit."

The new 'blue grade' trail is part of an ongoing £500,000 project to improve the visitor facilities at Whinlatter Forest.

The North West Regional Development Agency is helping to fund the construction of the mountain bike trails and redevelopment of the car park at the Whinlatter Visitor Centre.

The new trail has also been made possible thanks to a £50,000 grant from Cumbria Tourism's Adventure Capital Phase One Fund and a £50,000 grant from Sport England.

More information about Whinlatter Forest Park and its cycling facilities can be found at Forestry Commission.